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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 9:48 am
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Hmmm....

Look at the facts only, forget what the reviewers say, forget the assumptions and speculation. If the seller advertised "American Standard pickups", then that is what you should expect to get. You shouldn't fault the seller for a misunderstanding on your part. Seems that you got what was advertised, maybe not what you expected, but what was advertised. If you find that the advertisement stated "Fat 50s" or "Texas Specials", and you didn't get them, then you might have a case. The thread that was linked to earlier was clear to me, Am Std pups in the Am Spcl Strat was the new spec. I saw no reference to the Am Spcl having Fat 50s pups. I did see many people assuming that since the Am Std Strat now had Fat 50s pups, then the ads about the Am Spcl Strat having Am Std pups must mean that the Am Spcl Strat also had Fat 50s pups. A false assumption none-the-less. However, I believe that many stores have a no questions return policy within a certain amount of time, even if you fooled yourself you can still take the guitar back. You might want to check into the return policy of your place of purchase. We've probably all done something similar at one time or another, that is making assumptions, and reading something that wasn't really there. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:48 pm
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Again, the FSR guitar is advertised as having Custom Shop Texas Specials (the same as the regular Am Spl series...) If you go to Guitar Centers website, search American Special Stratocaster, then click on the hand-stained Honeyburst model it will list both in the description and on the specifications that it has TSs. But Ron Schwarz verified that it has American Standard pups... which then led to the confusion of whether that meant Fat 50s.

My point being, the guitar is advertised as having Texas Specials... therefore I could forgive the substitution of, say, Custom Shop Fat 50s but would not forgive the substitution of a non-custom shop pickup set.

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my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 7:19 pm
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Tiger J:
Here is my FSR American Special Stratocaster with a Super Vee Blade Runner installed. This Tremolo will come back to zero, I've tested it with a tuner and by gosh it works. Dives and comes right back. Good tone not to dark or to brite, seems to be just as good as the best you can get. I am happy with it. I would recommend the Blade Runner for replacement for a 6 hole tremolo replacement. I am impressed.

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Here it is next to my G&L Comanche

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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 8:49 am
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Very cool Twanged! If I can get past the pickup issue and keep mine, I forsee a Balde Runner in my near future. Actually, if I return mine and get a "regular" American Special I still forsee a Blade Runner in my future!

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Tiger J

my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:06 am
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I have the blade runner and locking tuners, stays in tune much better than the original 6 screw and standard tuners.
You can actually use the tremolo in a live band situation now and make it to the end of the song and tune again.

Before with the 6 screw if I whammied at all it was out of tune and unplayable to finish a song.

I have seen a demonstration video about how to adjust the sprigs and a float on the 6 screw.
I have watched them go through the Fender Museum and set up old Strats and make them play right.
I for one got it to sorta work once on my 76 when I was like 17 and we didnt have anything else yet.
But it went out no matter the grease or graphite or pro set up.

Now it is about as stable as a 2 point and lockers with a blade runner.
Still goes out but its usable.
I paid big money to have an install done for a floyd rose it was a headache.
NEVER again took 3 trips back to the shop and finally I had to fill and drill it myself.
Best just to buy one with it or have neck and body made at Warmoth.

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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:20 am
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Are you talking about one like this ?

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Mine sounds great from the factory,what are your issues with yours?


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 7:12 pm
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My only issue with the bridge would be staying in tune as much as possible with some mild use of the trem arm. I don't dive bomb or anything like that!

I just don't know if it is worth the three-digit price tag to get a Blade Runner! But I am seriously considering one!

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my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 8:33 am
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Twanged wrote:
TigerJ:
When I replaced my pickguard I can tell you they did not look like they were CS Texas Specials, so I am guessing that we have Fat 50's in our guitars. Not for sure, when you get an answer from Fender make sure you let me know. What serial number is your guitar?


Twanged and Shimmilou, Fender has finally given me the answer... I quote below:

Hello Joel,

Thank you for contacting Consumer Relations.

This guitar is not equipped with Custom Shop pickups at all. This FSR comes with American Standard Single Coil Pickups. I have the specs here…



Material 017-0171-342

Serial number US12197298

Description FSR AM SPEC STRAT MN STN HBST

Production 10/2012



Model Name: FSR American Special Stratocaster®

Model Number: 017-0171-(342)

Series: American Special Series

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple, Modern “C” Shape,

(Satin Urethane Finish)

Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5” Radius (241 mm)

No. of Frets: 22 Jumbo Frets

Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)

Width @ Nut: 1.6875” (43 mm)



Hardware: Chrome

Machine Heads: Fender® Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines

Bridge: Vintage Style Synchronized Tremolo

Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment/Black/Parchment

Pickups: 3 American Standard Strat® Single-Coil Pickups

Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade:

Position 1. Bridge Pickup

Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup

Position 3. Middle Pickup

Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup

Position 5. Neck Pickup

Controls: Master Volume,

Tone 1. (Neck Pickup), Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit, (Rolls Off Highs without Adding Bass)

Tone 2. (Bridge Pickup), Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit, (Rolls Off Highs without Adding Bass)

Colors: (342) Hand Stained Satin Honey Burst,

(Gloss Urethane Finish)

Strings: Fender USA, Nickel Plated Steel,

Gauges: (.009, .011, .016, .024w, .032, .042)

Unique Features: Large ‘70s Style Headstock,

Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit,

Large ‘70s Style Decal,

Parchment Pickup Covers and Plastic Parts,

Black Dot Position Inlays



Source: U.S.

Accessories: Deluxe Gig Bag, Polishing Cloth

U.S. MSRP: $1,049.99

INTRODUCED: 8/2012

COMMENTS: Over 2000 made for GC

WRENCH SIZES: Truss Rod Adjustment Wrench, (1/8” Hex), P/N 0023811000,

Saddle Height Adjustment Wrench, (1.5 mm Hex), P/N 0050919000

Specs: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice



best regards,



Steve Danielak

Consumer Relations Department

ph. 480-845-5135 sdanielak@fender.com

Fender Musical Instruments Corp.

17600 N. Perimeter Dr. Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

So it does indeed appear that the FSR Satin Honeyburst American Special Stratocaster has standard strat pups as opposed to Custom Shop Texas Specials which are featured on the regular American Special strats. A quick check of both the description and specifications of the Honeyburst American Special on Guitar Center's website also confirms that they are misleading the customers by claiming that the Honeyburst DOES have Texas Specials.

I like my guitar but this really bothers me. I feel cheated. This guitar may be returned tomorrow. I don't suppose GC is going to man up and drop a set of $200 CS Texas Specials in it for free due to their mistake!

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Tiger J

my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 10:11 am
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So, did you like the sound before you started worrying about what pups it had? :wink:

But, yes, if the place of purchase advertised that your guitar has TS pups, and that's what you wanted, I would think that something should be done to accommodate you. Probably your only option is return, but again, how did you feel about the sound before? The Am Std pups aren't exactly crap after-all. I would recommend replacing the bridge block and saddles with better quality anyway (Callaham). No matter what pups you have, a better block and saddles can make the sound better. In my 08 Am Std (same pups as yours), I thought that I needed to change pups until I installed a Callaham block. :idea:

BTW, you can get a set of TS for $150, or even less on sale.

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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 10:35 am
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I completely understand what you are saying Shimmilou... Yes, I really like this guitar. And I would probably have to strum them side by side to really hear what exactly the difference would be between an Am Spl with TSs as opposed to mine with Am Std pups.

However, the devil really is in the details if you read Steve Danielak's entire letter to me... he states in the Comments section of the Specs that OVER 2000 of these FSR strats were made especially for Guitar Center!!! And Guitar Center is advertising every single one of them as having Custom Shop Texas Specials!

I began this "quest for truth" because Guitar Center even published a user review for this strat in which the user states that for some strange reason his guitar had standard pups... Ironically, the vast majority of the users that wrote reviews of this guitar specifically rave about its "Texas Special" pickups (I guess they would be quite embarrassed if and when they learn the truth!)

I just think this is very underhanded of GC.

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Tiger J

my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 12:18 pm
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BTW, you can get a set of TS for $150, or even less on sale.[/quote]

You are most likely right about that... but keep in mind that I could swap the FSR Strat for a "standard" Am Spl Strat too. I don't know what to do, I am conflicted! But my 30 day return period is waning!

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Tiger J

my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 1:33 pm
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Just do it already :D

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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:13 pm
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I returned the FSR Hand-Stained Honeyburst American Special... just could not accept that the Strat was specifically advertised as having Custom Shop Texas Specials but actually has American Standard pups.

I brought a copy of Guitar Centers webpage specifications as well as my e-mail letter from Steve Danielak. Local GC had another hand-stained FSR Am Spl in stock as well. With my permission, they pulled the pickguard from both mine and the store's strats... yep, American Standard pups in both!

The local GC manager was very apologetic and appalled by this. He considered it to be a very huge misadvertisement and he e-mailed his district mgr and faxed the paperwork I brought in while I waited.

Long story short, I received a full refund and the store ordered me a "standard" candy apple red American Special Strat with rush delivery and they gave me the special promotional discount I had gotten with my FSR even though that deal is long gone and the current discounts are not as good. I should have my new strat this Tuesday!

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Tiger J

my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 9:16 pm
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Seems possible that the last models probably had TS pups, and the newest have Am Std pups, and GC just didn't change the specs. I doubt if they were deliberately trying to be deceitful.

BTW, how do you like the Blacktop Jaguar? I wondered about the pups, if they are anything like the MP 90s, or like Jaguar pups, or are both similar in sound? I just picked up a used MP Jaguar at a great price because I was really surprised by the quality, fit, finish and sound for such a low price. The MP 90s are really nice, I like the Mahogany body, and the neck is terrific.

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Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


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Post subject: Re: Should I mod my new American Special?
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:00 am
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shimmilou wrote:
Seems possible that the last models probably had TS pups, and the newest have Am Std pups, and GC just didn't change the specs. I doubt if they were deliberately trying to be deceitful.

BTW, how do you like the Blacktop Jaguar? I wondered about the pups, if they are anything like the MP 90s, or like Jaguar pups, or are both similar in sound? I just picked up a used MP Jaguar at a great price because I was really surprised by the quality, fit, finish and sound for such a low price. The MP 90s are really nice, I like the Mahogany body, and the neck is terrific.


I do not think GC intentionally misadvertised... I think someone overseeing specification listing for both GCs website and its in-store hang-tags just "assumed" that because the standard Am Spls have TSs that the FSR would too. I think the satin finish of the hand-stained Honeyburst FSR as well as the pickup downgrade were deliberate cost-cutting measures by Fender on that particular FSR strat to essentially make it the least expensive new American-made strat that money can buy. GC just missed the alternate pickup specs when they speced the guitar for their advertisements. I now understand that this FSR was a big feature in one of GCs magazine-style flyers when it was first released through GC and had a whole page article on this guitar which also mischaracterized the pups... but I didn't see this article and can't verify this. I just can't believe it has taken this long for someone to bring it to their attention since the guitar has been out for quite awhile; which causes me to cast some suspicion at least at the corporate level that GC has heard of this before I brought it to their attention yesterday. This makes me suspect that GC is handling the issue on a complaint-by-complaint basis rather than attempting to inform all buyers of this guitar of the mistake. But I am convinced that the local GC manager had no idea.

My former FSR Am Spl was made in October of last year, so maybe you are correct that the first run did have the TSs and Fender changed the pups in a later run. But I am sure Fender would have informed its retailers of the change (right Fender???)

On the other subject: I love my FSR Blacktop Jaguar! Now THAT guitar does contain the exact same pups (hot vintage alnico hbs) as the standard Blacktop Jaguars... the differences are bound fretboard, real Jaguar control knobs instead of amplifier knobs and two exclusive colors (seafoam green pearl and blizzard pearl.)

I played the MP Jaguar the same day as I did the FSR Blacktop. I think there was a difference in tone to be sure as the P-90s have a very distinct tone. I was swayed to the FSR Blacktop mainly because of the bound fretboard which is so uncommon on Fenders and also because I did not like the color of the MP Jag that the store had in stock. As I recall the MP Jag was very nice indeed otherwise and a very well-crafted instrument! I would also love to play the MP Marauder if I could ever spot one in a local store. I think the import Fenders are really impressive as of late!

I think that the hot vintage alnico hbs are more similar to the Fender Enforcers/wide-range hbs but I haven't had an opportunity to play through those either. I would have been very interested in an Enforcer equipped guitar, such as the Pawn Shop Mustang, but none seem to be available in the St. Louis area for me to try. My only criticisms of the Blacktop Jag is that I would have loved an HS instead of the HH with a traditional Jag single-coil on the neck and the hot alnico hb on the bridge. Also, as is commonly complained about on all of the Blacktop series guitars, the tone control knob essentially does nothing at all until it is turned three-quarters of the way... then it abruptly alters the tone. I have heard this is an issue with the tone pots that come standard on the guitars.

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Tiger J

my gear:

Jackson USA Phil Collen PC-1
Warmoth Custom-Build Stratocaster (The Andersong)
Fender American Special Stratocaster
Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster
Fender Mustang GT40
Eleven HeadRush w/ two Alto TS212 FRFRs


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